Tasmanian farmers will soon be able to clear up to 40 hectares of native forest on their own land following changes in government policy.
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Resources Minister Guy Barnett announced the changes to land clearing policies on Sunday, but concerns were quickly raised over the potential environmental impacts of the change.
“It will make it easier and simpler for farmers to do what they need to do in a sustainable way,” Mr Barnett said.
“This revised policy strikes the appropriate balance, giving farmers the ability to utilise their land, while also protecting native forest from broad-scale clearing.
“Farmers will sensibly be able to convert up to 40 hectares of native forest to agricultural purposes.”
But Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said land clearing was one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse emissions.
“The last thing we need to be doing as a state is allowing for emissions from land clearing,” Ms O’Connor said.
